Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Even something as destructive and potentially dangerous as fire can be beautiful, don't you think?. And while we often hear it described in “bad” situations, it can really be quite “good” and of course, just “is”. It rejuvinates. It transforms old, dead, and decayed matter back into energy. It makes way for new growth and indeed life itself to re-emerge. Yes, beautiful indeed.

Monday, November 28, 2005

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal ..."

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it is also in his mind. To me, beauty is not only found in nature, in things that are pleasing to the senses. Beauty also exists in ideas — in ideals — many of which may not be acceptable to all. It is so easy to get caught up with our day-to-day obligations and norms of the work-a-day world, that we lose sight of why it is we are alive. Of what really matters. And when we catch a glimpse, it may challenge the status quo. It may question our livelihood. It may impact our comfort. But sometimes these ideas take hold in spite of our conditioned resistance. Sometimes the resistance is well-organized. But occasionally, in spite of these conflicts, the idea will prevail, and it can begin to flower, until, after a time, it becomes self-evident.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

One of my favorite places in the world -- right here in New Hampshire where I spent my childhood summers. Also one of my favorite times of the day, just before sunrise, when the rest of humanity slumbers, but the woods have awakened.

Every day, whether the dawn is painted from a rich pallet, or penciled in with shades of grey, it is magnificent and it is alive. And if you can reflect upon that moment, you realize that is where life is created, again and again, each instant the wind rustles or the sun peaks or the robin sings. Revel in that moment. Always.

Morning Has BrokenAs sung by Cat Stevens; lyrics by Eleanor Farjeon

Morning has broken, like the first morningBlackbird has spoken, like the first birdPraise for the singing, praise for the morningPraise for the springing fresh from the word

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heavenLike the first dewfall, on the first grassPraise for the sweetness of the wet gardenSprung in completeness where his feet pass

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morningBorn of the one light, Eden saw playPraise with elation, praise every morningGod's recreation of the new day

Have you considered your relationship with all the beings around you? Do you cherish it? What really is the difference between your family dog, a visiting butterfly, the housefly that seems to keep grabbing your attention, or the spider that's crawling around in the corner? Do you want to kill one of them? Maybe that's worthy of some contemplation. Should you really use your power to end that life? Who gets to draw the lines and on what basis? Why?

Here's an experiment: Try cherishing all of life for a day or a week, and see what that intentiondoes to your spirit. I suspect it will flutter gently about and softly alight on you just when you need a friend.

Friday, November 25, 2005

"Whiter than white" refers to the relative nature of our judgment of all things. For example, the rocks in the background would be called "white" by anyone asked, 'what color were the rocks that surrounded the Anantara pool?' And yet, they clearly are not white, or at least not "as white" as the rocks in the foreground. Further, when I was picking out the "good" rocks for the photo, I was struck as to just how meaningless the term "good" is. Good according to what or who's criterion? If I were looking for smooth rocks, or oval rocks, or flat rocks, at least some of these would be judged as "bad".

So be very suspicious when ever you find yourself considering something "good" and something else "bad". Comparisons are simply part of our dualistic nature. Instead, just observe what "is".